Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Melodi and her grandboys {Gilbert Family Photographer}

With Mother's Day just around the corner, it's important to celebrate not only moms, but the mother of the moms as well! Two little one year olds wanted to show their Grandma how much they love her, and I was there to capture it on film (okay, a digital memory card, but close enough). We went to Downtown Gilbert for their special time together, and while one year olds can be challenging to get to sit still, smile, or even look at the camera (especially getting two to do it at the same time!), we still were able to capture the special bond between Melodi and her grandboys. They love her so much!

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Brandon & Hieu, Married @ AZ Historical Society Museum {Tempe Wedding Photographer}

What a weekend of celebration! Brandon and Hieu started their marriage with a traditional Vietnamese ceremony at Hieu's parents' house on Friday. What a wonderfully intimate, personal and colorful ceremony this was! I loved being able to photograph such a special event. On Saturday, the traditional western ceremony began at the Arizona Historical Society Museum in Tempe. When one plans an outdoor ceremony and reception in Arizona in April, you expect perfect weather. It's a very rare day indeed that anything but sunshine and warmth would arrive. So when the storm clouds started rolling in early on Saturday, thoughts of a plan B arose. Don't get me wrong, I love those romantic clouds in photos, but when they bring rain and wind, causing table clothes to blow off the table along with their wine glasses? Not so fun. And when the rain sprinkles came, the decision was made to move the reception inside the museum (which was unique and just as fun as a reception under the stars - just in a different way!). While it never really poured, the museum was a beautiful, fun spot to stay safe from the unpredictable weather outside. And in the end, Brandon and Hieu were married, and got to celebrate their love with their friends and family, making the day nothing short of a success! Also, take note fellow wedding planners: hire a live string trio/quartet for your ceremony and a live band for your reception. It's amazing what a difference it makes! I'm so honored I was able to document their celebrations: